Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling have started once together in Manchester City's last 11 matches across all competitions; Pep Guardiola said "of course" they can play in the same XI; Sergio Aguero out of FA Cup semi-final vs Chelsea on Saturday
Friday 16 April 2021 14:38, UK
Pep Guardiola does not believe it is always a case of picking between Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling when naming his starting line-ups for Manchester City.
The England pair have started just one of the last 11 City matches together, with Sterling making the XI twice in the past eight games.
Asked if it is a case of either-or, and who would move from the left-sided forward role if both started, Guardiola said: "Of course, if you know a little bit the trajectory of this team, the selections, the answer is obvious.
"Of course they can play together, they play many, many times together. We have players like Phil who can play in five positions, Sterling in three. Everyone can play in a few positions, so it depends on them."
Foden has enjoyed an increased role in the side since David Silva's departure last summer, playing more minutes in the Premier League this season than he has done the previous two campaigns combined.
And with 13 goals in all competitions this term, including a goal in both Champions League quarter-final legs against Borussia Dortmund, Guardiola suggested Foden will continue to start so long as he earns the selection.
"It's not about what we believe in the past, it's what they show on the grass," Guardiola added.
"Footballers have to show every single day. The journalists will talk a lot about the past, the future, but football is present. Present every day it doesn't matter what we've done, it's what we have to do today.
"Today everybody is involved, talking on social media, the players have to talk on the grass. It's the only way they can defend the procedures, and win all the present and all the future. It's as simple as that.
"In Phil's case, everything we get is on the grass. Not in any other situation. He is going to continue being there depending on his performance. You have to win something every game to stay in the position, in this team."
Sergio Aguero will miss Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea through injury, but Guardiola confirmed the remainder of his squad are "tired but in a good mood" after their midweek Champions League exploits.
City take on Chelsea at Wembley, three days after they reached the last four of the Champions League for the first time under Guardiola.
Aguero has already been out of the last two matchday squads with a muscular problem.
